Postdoc in Characterization of Strain-rate Sensitivity of Metals

Postdoc in Characterization of Strain-rate Sensitivity of Metals

KTH - Royal Institute of Technology

Stockholm, Sweden

Job description

At the Hultgren Laboratory at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate materials behavior at micrometer length scales during deformation at high velocities. High strain rate deformation is fundamental to processes such as hard-particle erosion, materials processing and manufacturing, and in this project we aim to establish an experimental and computational platform for the improvement of high-strain-rate material models for metallic materials across a wide range of strain rates and temperatures.

Experimental and modelling strategies will be defined in dialogue with developers of materials models, end-users that apply such models for process and materials development, and providers of wear-resistant and other high-performance metallic materials. The postdoctoral project will focus on the establishment of the experimental test methodology Laser-induced particle impact testing (LIPIT) at the Hultgren Laboratory for testing of high strain-rate behavior of metallic materials. The LIPIT micromechanical tests will be complemented with more standard micro- and micromechanical testing as well as microstructure characterization of deformation structures, etc. The novel experimental insights on strain-rate sensitivity, also at extreme rates, will feed model improvements in collaboration with partners in the project. Finite element modelling (FEM) will be used for the mechanics modelling, and physics-informed machine learning (AI) will be explored for developing a materials library for strain-rate sensitivity that can be incorporated in FEM.

You will be part of the interdisciplinary activity within the Center for Mechanics and Materials Design (MMD), a collaboration between the Department of Materials Science and the Department of Engineering Mechanics at KTH. MMD is a research environment that integrates mechanics and materials science to drive the development of advanced materials through research and education. The center collaborates with several industrial partners, including Epiroc, Höganäs, Ovako, Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant, Scania, and SSAB, strengthening the link between academic research and industrial applications. The project is closely connected to ongoing research in materials science and applied mechanics, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation material models.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in materials science, experimental physics, mechanical engineering, or closely-related area for the proposed research. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research experience in mechanical behavior and microstructures of metallic materials, e.g. LIPIT, Split-Hopkinson, tensile testing, indentation testing, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), etc.
• The ability to express yourself very well in English, spoken and written, as this will be required in day-to-day work
• You are self-motivated with a strong ability to take initiative and run projects

As a person, you have well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and like to take responsibility. You have strong collaboration skills including the ability to lead and to support research.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Knowledge and/or strong interest in learning about finite element modeling (FEM) and physics-informed machine learning (AI) is highly meritorious.
• Computational modelling experience is preferred.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Apply NowDeadline 8 August